High-pressure,high-repetition-rate RF CO2 laser

Summary In this work we report the physical properties of a radiofrequency supplied waveguide CO₂ laser operating with different standard mixtures at high pressures up to 1.5 bar, with about 10% electrical efficiency. We describe some problems to obtain a complete RF matching in the discharge and we analyse the conditions for a better efficiency, gain and peak power in different mixtures, both to obtain a larger mode tuning and to eliminate the he contents so that the laser running costs are largely reduced. Work partially supported by the Progetto Finalizzato Optoelettronica of the Italian National Research Council (CNR). The authors of this paper have agreed to not receive the proofs for correction.